FAQs

A: The Georgetown South (GTS) Project will provide infrastructure improvements to meet existing GO Transit ridership demand and future growth. This project is one of the key elements of
The Big Move. Through track sharing, it also allows for the new
Union Pearson Express (formerly known as the Air Rail Link) between Toronto’s Union Station and Lester B. Pearson International Airport. This includes a 3.3 kilometre rail spur to the airport.

Q: When will this project be completed by?

A: The GTS Project is expected to be completed by 2015.

Q: What is Metrolinx?

A: As part of its plan to deliver long-term sustainable transportation and better transit, the Province of Ontario created the Greater Toronto Transportation Authority on April 24, 2006. Now known as Metrolinx, it was created to play a critical role in planning and delivering a seamless, integrated transit network allowing people to use public transit to travel easily from Hamilton to Newmarket to Oshawa. It’s the final piece in a three-part approach by the Province to prepare the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area for growth and sustained prosperity.

Metrolinx is developing a world-class transportation system alongside the work of the Greenbelt, which protects more than 1.8 million acres of environmentally sensitive and agricultural land in the heart of the region, and the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, a plan that coordinates population and job growth.

In 2009, Metrolinx merged with GO Transit, the regional public transit service. The organization grew further with the addition of two more operating divisions – the Union Pearson Express in 2010 and PRESTO in 2011. When complete, the Union Pearson Express will be a premium express rail shuttle service between Union Station in downtown Toronto and Pearson Airport. PRESTO is a new electronic fare card that allows riders to transfer seamlessly across multiple transit systems.

Q: What is The Big Move?

A:
The Big Move is more than a transportation plan – it is a solution to traffic congestion, transit backlogs and reducing what are currently the worst regional commute times in North America. Launched in 2008, The Big Move is a 25-year, $50-billion plan for coordinated, integrated transportation and transit in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. Its vision, goals and objectives are rooted in creating for the GTHA a high quality of life, a thriving, sustainable and protected environment, and a strong, prosperous and competitive economy.

Work is underway on several projects. More than $16 billion in investment of the $50-billion Big Move vision has been committed to and visible improvements and signs of progress can be seen all over the GTHA, including the Mississauga Bus Rapid Transit Project, the York Region vivaNext Bus Rapid Transit Project, and the Union Station Revitalization.

There is still much to do. The Next Wave projects equal $34 billion in investment that will increase capacity where it’s needed most, and improve regional connectivity. These projects were identified in The Big Move, and have been refined and confirmed as next-step priorities for achieving The Big Move’s vision.

Q: What is GO Transit doing to improve air quality?

A: GO Transit is completing the installation of three new air quality
monitoring stations along the Kitchener rail corridor for the Ministry of
the Environment (MOE) to draw data from. This will assist the MOE and other
interested parties in assessing the air quality in this corridor as well as
the GTA.

GO Transit is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and minimizing
the impact on the environment by removing vehicles from the highways and
roads and by utilizing the most efficient technology available for its
locomotives.

We will continue to work with our partners to collectively and
collaboratively find solutions to improve the regional air quality.

Q: Will the increase in train traffic significantly impact air
quality?

A: GO Transit uses the most efficient diesel technology available. We are
moving to using next generation Tier 4 diesel technology which reduces
airborne particulate emissions by 90% and nitrogen oxides (NOx) by 80%. We
are testing a Tier 4 GO locomotive prototype in 2013/2014 and refurbishing
10 GO locomotives for Opening Day 2015. The rest of the GO locomotive fleet
will be refurbished soon after. The Diesel Multiple Units for the Union
Pearson Express (formerly known as the Air Rail Link) have
been ordered and will be delivered as Tier 4-compliant.

As per the Minister of Environment’s request, we have conducted more
analysis about any human health impacts from emissions following the
implementation of Tier 4 emission standards. We were also asked to draft a
revised human health mitigation plan to address residual health risks, if
any, after moving to Tier 4-compliant locomotives. The conclusion was that
Tier 4 engine technology is an effective mitigation. To review the draft
mitigation plan and the accompanying analysis, please visit the
public consultation section.

The Environmental Assessment (EA) used the maximum possible theoretical
levels (train volume, speed) to predict future environmental impacts. Even
using this long range assessment of future impacts, the proposed project was
within the acceptable limits for almost all of the emission categories
evaluated. Cases that were slightly above emission limits occurred only on
the worst modeled smog days. The EA did not account for future improvements
in engine technology: for locomotives or vehicles.

On opening day in 2015, the volume of train traffic is well below the
long range plan which was modeled in the EA and the impact will therefore be
well below that calculated in the EA.

Q: What is the Ambient Air Monitoring and Reporting Plan?

A: The Ambient Air Monitoring and
Reporting Plan will monitor a group of pollutants from three reporting
stations along the corridor to confirm the current levels as outlined in the
environmental assessment, and to monitor changes as service levels increase
in the corridor.

Typically, the calculations in an environmental assessment are based on
existing air quality monitoring stations. The additional three air quality
monitoring stations will provide additional background data on existing
conditions – and will be used as a check against assumptions in the
environmental assessment. It also checks against the calculated effects of
additional traffic on the rail line.

Q: What is the status of the Ambient Air Monitoring and Reporting
Plan?

Q: How does GO Transit intend to minimize the impact of increased
noise and vibration?

A: The
Operational Noise and Vibration Study was completed in February 2012. It
outlines the noise and vibration mitigation required for certain sections of
the rail corridor due to the increased train service. We are installing
noise walls to mitigate average noise increases of 5 decibels or greater and
installing vibration mats to mitigate increased vibration.

Q: What is GO Transit doing to minimize noise and vibration
during construction?

A: We will minimize disruption to our neighbours by mitigating excessive
noise and vibration from construction. This includes depowering equipment
and putting up hoarding where necessary. However, there will be construction
noise and vibration that is to be expected from construction. We will
monitor noise and vibration during construction and implement additional
mitigation measures where necessary.

Q: Why are noise walls necessary?

A: The 2009 Environmental Project Report identified the need for noise
mitigation as a result of the proposed Georgetown South Project service
expansion. The 2012 Operational Noise and Vibration Study completed a
detailed analysis of the noise and vibration impacts of the Georgetown South
Project service expansion. It identified the exact locations and heights of
noise walls required as outlined in the Ministry of the Environment and GO
Transit Noise Protocol.

Q: Why can’t GO Transit install sound barriers during
construction?

A: Noise barriers will not be installed until the construction is
complete to ensure that they are not damaged during the construction. In
some cases, building the noise barriers before construction would restrict
access to the corridor to complete the construction work. Where necessary,
construction hoarding will be installed to reduce noise
and dust before work begins.

Q:
Why are some noise walls required for Opening Day 2015 and others for the
Full Build?

A: The Full Build scenario is a future level of service when we achieve
two-way, all-day service on our rail corridors which translates into 400 or
so train trips per day. There is no set time for this expansion. The Opening
Day 2015 scenario reflects the 185 to 211 daily train trips (depending on
the location) and corresponding noise walls required to mitigate for this
service level. These noise walls are required to be installed for 2015.

Q: Why is Metrolinx installing the Full Build noise walls for
2015?

A: Given the uniqueness of the Union Pearson Express service (every 15
minutes) and community feedback, Metrolinx decided to install the Full Build
noise walls for Opening Day 2015 as an additional benefit for the community.
However, if after participating in the noise wall community advisory
committee process, a committee reasonably decides that the noise wall design
options do not address identified community issues or concerns, Metrolinx
will revisit the decision to install the Full Build noise walls for 2015. A
process will then need to be developed between Metrolinx, the community and
local elected officials to get feedback from the entire community on whether
the Full Build walls will be installed or not.

Q: Why is Metrolinx installing noise walls and not considering
other types of noise mitigation such as green walls?

A:
Noise walls are typically used to reduce the noise coming from
transportation corridors. Metrolinx reviewed other noise mitigation options,
such as green walls, but these options were determined not to be feasible.The Ministry of the Environment and GO Transit Noise Protocol reviews
mitigation feasibility based on operational, economic and technical
considerations. Noise walls approved by the Ministry of Transportation are
the most effective and comprehensive method to reduce noise.

Q: When will the Kitchener Rail Corridor be electrified?

A: The Metrolinx Board of Directors has recommended electrification of
the Lakeshore and Kitchener GO Transit rail corridors, with the new Union
Pearson Express as the first phase. The year-long study revealed important
transportation benefits associated with electrification, including shorter
travel times for riders and lower operating costs. These benefits would
increase over time and as service levels increase.

The Province of Ontario has approved an Environmental Assessment to
electrify the Union Pearson Express (formerly known as the Air Rail Link). The final electrification study report,
staff report and associated appendices are available online at
www.gotransit.com/electrification.

A: Tier 4 is an emission standard set by the US Environmental Protection
Agency that will be adhered to in building the next generation of diesel
technology. It is projected to reduce emissions of airborne particulates by
90% and nitrogen oxides by 80%. We are testing a Tier 4 GO locomotive
prototype in 2013/2014 and refurbishing 10 GO locomotives for Opening Day
2015. The rest of the GO locomotive fleet will be refurbished soon after.
The Diesel Multiple Units for the Union Pearson Express have been ordered and will be
delivered as Tier 4-compliant.

GO Transit has a long history of using the most efficient technology
available. In fact, GO Transit was one of the first to move from Tier 0, and
is currently using MP40 diesel locomotives that use the most efficient,
ultra-low sulphur fuel available and meets all US Environmental Protection
Agency Tier 2 Emission Standards.

Q: Why is GO Transit using diesel technology in the interim?

A: Comparable commuter rail systems in major urban centres use diesel,
especially if operating in a mixed-use rail corridor as GO Transit does. GO
Transit has a long history of using the most efficient technology available.
In fact, GO Transit was one of the first to move from Tier 0, and is
currently using MP40 diesel locomotives that use the most efficient,
cleanest diesel technology available and meets all US Environmental
Protection Agency Tier 2 Emission Standards.

Most electrified rail commuter trains exist where the rail corridors are
exclusively dedicated to commuter train traffic and not mixed with freight
traffic. This allows for the trains to be lighter and smaller.

Because GO shares its tracks with freight and other commuter rail
traffic, federal regulations require that GO commuter trains meet acceptable
crash worthiness standards. This results in a much heavier train requiring
more horsepower to operate. Diesel is typically used for these types of
mixed-use train corridors in North America.

Q: Why is GO Transit moving ahead with construction prior to the
completion of the electrification environmental assessment?

A: All infrastructure in the Georgetown South corridor is being built to
accommodate potential future electrification. The extensive design and
construction work for grade separations, bridges and additional track will
be undertaken over the next four years, and as such must commence now, and
in accordance with the approved Environmental Assessments.

Q: What is being done to accommodate the West Toronto Railpath?

A: We are engaging with the West Toronto Railpath group, the City of
Toronto and other community organizations to help accommodate the Railpath’s
plan to build its path adjacent to GO’s Kitchener corridor, where possible.

Q: Will GO Transit replace the trees that have been removed
within the corridor for the GTS Project?

A: In preparation for adding new tracks to expand the GO transit
Kitchener rail corridor, we are removing vegetation
overgrowth and trees within the corridor. We are expanding the rail corridor
to the edge of our property line, adding 3 to 5 tracks along different
sections of the corridor. To maintain the existing tree canopy in
neighbourhoods along the rail corridor, we are complying with the City of
Toronto Private tree by-law and we will be replacing any trees that are 30
cm (12 inches) or greater in diameter on a 3 to 1 basis.

Q: Why is there no plan for a GO Transit or Union Pearson Express stop at
King Street?

A: The Georgetown South Project needs to balance demands for increased
regional service with local needs. Both the Kitchener service and the Union
Pearson Express (formerly known as the Air Rail Link) stop at Union Station, Bloor GO and Weston GO stations within the City
of Toronto limits.

The current GO Transit stations link with the TTC, which provides
frequent service along King Street West and Queen Street west, and connects
travellers to GO Transit at both Union and Bloor Stations.

Q: What did you do during the Environmental Assessment to ensure
that community engagement was transparent?

Metrolinx held 18 public open houses, welcoming over 2,000 attendees who
submitted over 600 feedback forms. Metrolinx also hosted several roundtable
meetings, a community design charette and Metrolinx also offered a 24/7
Virtual Open House - an on-line consultation site where members of the
public could review the project reports and materials, send comments,
suggestions or questions to
gts@gotransit.com for response back from the project team.

Q: What can the community expect from GO Transit in terms of
engagement and communication?

A: GO Transit is committed to transparent and responsive communications
with our neighbours, elected officials and our partners. We have opened GO
Transit community offices in Liberty Village, The Junction and Weston. Community relations
staff working at these offices are on the ground to answer community
questions and resolve issues during the detailed design and construction
phases of the Georgetown South Project.

Q: Does GO Transit have to close any roads to complete the
Georgetown South Project?

A: GO Transit is committed to reducing the impact on the community as
much as possible. Our priority is community safety and that is why we are
working with the City of Toronto, elected officials and community members to
ensure that we come up with the best possible solution.

In order to create a safe underpass at Denison Road in Weston, we need to
cul-de-sac Sam Frustaglio Drive. If the road were to remain open, it would
create a very steep, unsafe intersection at Denison Road. Also, several
homes along Sam Frustaglio Drive would have to be purchased and the
residents displaced. The safest option is to cul-de-sac the street which
offers new green space and reduces through traffic in the neighbourhood. A
new traffic signal will be installed at Wright Avenue to allow motorists to
safely turn northbound on Jane Street.

We also require closing the John Street rail crossing to vehicular
traffic. A pedestrian bridge will be built to maintain pedestrian and
bicycle access across the rail corridor.

There will be temporary road closures along the corridor for periods of
time to accommodate construction. We will inform the community in advance of
any road closures.

Q: Will any more pedestrian bridges be built over the rail
corridor?

A: Other than the John Street Pedestrian
Bridge, there are currently no plans for Metrolinx to build additional bridges across the corridor because of safety concerns. The City Of Toronto has a number of proposed projects in various stages of development including pedestrian bridges in Liberty Village. For more information on future pedestrian bridges, please contact the City of Toronto.

Q: There has been some confusion about the number of trains that
are anticipated to run on the Kitchener line. What is the official number?

A: In 2015, there will be up to an additional 10 GO
train trips for a total of up to 29 train trips on the Kitchener line – not
all trains will travel to all destinations along the line. There will also
be 140 Union Pearson Express shuttles (formerly known as the Air Rail Link)
operating from Union Station to Pearson International Airport. The total
number of trains including VIA and CN will be approximately 210 at the south
end of the rail corridor and 185 north of St. Clair Avenue.

Q: Why does the Environmental Assessment state that 464 trains
are planned for the Kitchener rail corridor?

A: An environmental assessment’s purpose is to assess the impacts on the
environment of a proposed project over a period of time and takes into
account any known expansions. The 464 train trips shown in the Environmental
Project Report include future maximum expanded service on the Kitchener,
Bolton, Milton and Barrie rail lines at the south end of the Kitchener rail
corridor and represents a full-day, two-way train service in all of these
corridors.

In the case of the Georgetown Environmental Assessments, Metrolinx’s
Regional Transportation Plan – The Big Move – was used as the base
planning document, which forecast ridership for several GO Transit corridors
over a period of 25 years. Train volumes will grow in stages as service
levels increase to meet ridership demands, and operational constraints are
removed.

Q: Does Tier 4 technology exist at the moment?

A: The next generation of diesel engines will meet Tier 4 emission
standards and we are committed to moving to this technology as quickly as
possible. We are testing a Tier 4 GO locomotive prototype in 2013/2014 and
refurbishing 10 GO locomotives for Opening Day 2015. The rest of the GO
locomotive fleet will be refurbished soon after. The Union Pearson Express Diesel
Multiple Units have been ordered and will be delivered as Tier 4-compliant.

GO Transit has a long history of using the most efficient technology
available. In fact, GO was one of the first to move from Tier 0, and is
currently using MP40 diesel locomotives that use the most efficient,
cleanest diesel technology available and meets all U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency Tier 2 Emission Standards.

Q: On January 26th, 2011, the Metrolinx Board of Directors
approved the staff recommendation to begin electrification of the Lakeshore
and Kitchener GO Transit rail corridors, with the new Union Pearson Express as
the first phase. Will this have an impact on the Georgetown South project?

A: No. The Georgetown South project will provide infrastructure
improvements to meet existing GO Transit ridership demand and future growth
along the Kitchener corridor. It will also accommodate existing and future
VIA Rail and CN freight train service. The project is being designed and
built to accommodate future electrification.

Q: On July 30th, the Ontario government announced that Metrolinx
would build, own and operate the Union Pearson Express from Union Station to
Pearson. Will this have an impact on the Georgetown South Project?

A: No. The Georgetown South Project is intended to provide infrastructure
improvements to meet existing GO Transit ridership demand and future growth
along the Kitchener corridor. It will also accommodate existing and future
VIA Rail and CN freight train service, as well as the new Union Pearson
Express (formerly known as the Air Rail Link).

Q: Will the Union Pearson Express still run 140 shuttles a day, as
initially outlined in the EA for the GTS project?

A: Yes – Metrolinx will be providing the same service as the prior
proposal: shuttles every 15 minutes.